If contacts become badly pitted, it is acceptable to:

• A. Ignore it
• B. Replace the contacts or control
• C. Polish with abrasive
• D. Replace only the actuator

Answer: (B)

When electrical contact surfaces are badly pitted, the proper action is to replace the contacts or the entire control. Pitting increases contact resistance, can cause unreliable operation, arcing, and overheating, which are safety and performance concerns. Polishing with abrasive might remove some surface material but it can also alter the contact geometry, leave roughness, and introduce contaminants or residues that worsen reliability; it’s not a reliable or durable fix. Replacing only the actuator would not address the damaged contact surfaces, so the switch could continue to fail or overheat. Replacing the contacts or the whole control restores proper surface condition and reliable electrical connection.